New venue sought in trial of couple charged in toddler's death

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Attorney want to move the trial of a central Missouri couple charged in the killing of toddler whose injuries initially were blamed on a hit-and-run.

The Sedalia Democrat 9http://bit.ly/OBjhzF) reported that a hearing is set for Oct. 11 to consider the change-of-venue request from attorneys for 21-year-old Thomas Presley and 25-year-old Jamie Ann Litton — both of Stover.

They face one count each of second-degree murder in the death of Litton’s 3-year-old son, Blake Litton.

Authorities allege in court documents that Presley beat the boy and then reported he was injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver along Missouri 135. Litton allegedly failed to seek medical treatment for him.

Attorneys for both defendants filed a media gag in July to prevent anyone involved from discussing the case.